Though not lacking in features or capabilities, neither the Passport nor its Rodeo near-duplicate is quite in the league of a Chevrolet S10 Blazer or Ford Explorer.

Overview

Instead of creating a sport utility from scratch, Honda chose to market a near twin of the Isuzu Rodeo. Both are 4-door wagons with a lift-up rear window and fold-down tailgate.The entry-level DX had a 2.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, 2-wheel drive, and 5-speed manual shift. Stepping up a notch, the Passport LX used a 175-horsepower 3.2-liter V6, with 2- or 4-wheel drive and 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Topping the line was the EX, a 4WD V6 model with automatic. Rear antilock brakes work only in 2-wheel drive, and 4WD models have a part-time drive system (not for use on dry pavement).

Yearly Updates

1995 Passport
Passports were essentially unchanged in their second season, except for extra equipment in the top-of-the-line EX model. However, dashboards were reworked in midseason, adding airbags for both the driver and passenger.

1996 Passport
Shift-on-the-fly for the 4-wheel-drive system arrived during 1996, and the V6 engine was enhanced to 190 horsepower. Four-wheel antilock braking was available, but only on the 4WD EX model.

1997 Passport
The entry-level DX model with its 4-cylinder engine disappeared, so all Passports now carried a V6 engine.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

Until 1997, Passports were available with either a 4-cylinder engine or a V6. All models except the DX got the 3.2-liter V6, however, which began at 175 horsepower and jumped to 190 in 1996. Only 5-speed manual shift was available with the 4-cylinder engine, but other Passports might have an optional 4-speed automatic transmission instead. Honda’s 4-wheel-drive system is not recommended for use on dry pavement.

ohc I4

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

2.6/156

Engine HP

120

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

150

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed manual

18/22

ohc V6

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

3.2/193

Engine HP

175-190

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

188

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

16/19
15/18

14.6

Road Test

The V6 engine is smoother and quieter, and delivers stronger acceleration than the four. Though lacking the low-speed muscle of 6-cylinder engines in rivals from Jeep, Ford, and General Motors, the V6 furnishes sufficient go-power, even with an automatic transmission. Gas mileage is less pleasing. We averaged just 14.6 mpg with a V6 and automatic, with about one-third of the driving on expressways. Engine noise is moderate, but road and wind noise can interfere with conversations.

A Passport is tough enough for off-roading, but the ride gets stiff and bouncy over ruts and potholes, failing to absorb bumps well. Steering is tight, with good feel–easy to correct to stay on course in gusty winds, and delivering more positive control during off-road treks.

Head/leg room are plentiful, but rear entry is tight through narrow doors. Climbing aboard also demands a rather high step-up. The rear seat folds flat to create a wide cargo floor, but a full-size spare tire eats into space. Initial models had overly complex multibutton controls for lighting and wipers. Also, the radio sat too low for easy adjustments while driving. The new dashboard added in mid-1995 has a more convenient control layout. All models have plenty of handy bins and storage pockets.

Ratings

Model Tested: 1996 Honda Passport 3.2-liter

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Seatbelts/safety
Description: Seatbelts may not retract or may retract slowly. Also, the button that keeps the seatbelt tongue from sliding down breaks. The belts should be serviced under the Honda Lifetime Seat Belt Limited Warranty. (1994-97)

Recall History

1994
Description: Camshaft-seal end plug can become dislodged from cylinder head, allowing oil to leak; can cause engine damage and fire.

1994
Description: Latch in seatbelt buckle could engage only partially, causing tongue to come out during collision or hard braking.

Click on year to see equipment lists for all models offered for that model year.

1994

Equipment list not available for 1994

1995

Equipment list not available for 1995

1996

Equipment list not available for 1996

1997

Equipment list not available for 1997

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.